Chemist-EPA Drinking Water Testing (Contractor)
About The Position
You will be responsible for developing, optimizing, validating, and implementing analytical methods supporting EPA drinking water regulations, the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR), and other environmental testing programs within an accredited laboratory. Working under general supervision, you will perform complex laboratory analyses and helps ensure analytical methods and data meet applicable regulatory, quality, and laboratory standards. You will perform method validation and verification, conducts routine and complex analyses using GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, and related instrumentation, and reviews analytical data to ensure accuracy, quality, and regulatory compliance. The role evaluates chromatograms, mass spectra, calibration and quality control data, troubleshoots analytical methods and instrumentation, and supports method implementation into routine laboratory operations. You will contribute to proficiency testing, laboratory audits, instrument maintenance, documentation, and continuous improvement efforts while collaborating with laboratory staff, Quality Assurance, and project teams to deliver accurate, timely, and defensible analytical results. To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate strong analytical skills, scientific judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining high-quality laboratory practices in support of public health and environmental protection. NOTE: This role is classified as a contract position. The selected individual will provide services under a contractual employment through our staffing partner, HR DIrections. Continuation of the assignment is subject to project needs, funding, and satisfactory performance.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, or related field (required)
- 3-5+ years of experience in an environmental laboratory
- Demonstrated experience in method development, validation and routine analysis.
- Experience operating under a Quality Management System (QMS)
- GC-MS e.g. VOCs, SVOCs, disinfection byproducts: Triazine pesticides and their degradation products, phenols
- LC/MS/MS e.g., pharmaceuticals and personal care products, pesticides and fungicides, urea pesticides, carbamate pesticides, cyanotoxins, pesticides and their degradation products, Disinfection By-Products (DBPs)
- Demonstrated experience implementing EPA drinking‑water analytical methods (not just running them), including method setup, optimization, validation/verification, QC development, and documentation.
- Hands‑on experience with EPA drinking‑water methods, including a significant subset (≥50%) of following methods
Nice To Haves
- Experience with sample prep techniques, EG, SPE, LLE (liquid - liquid extraction)
- HPLC/UV detector, UPLC-PDA
Responsibilities
- Develop, optimize, and implement analytical methods for organic contaminants in drinking water testing using EPA Standard Methods
- Apply data integrity and defensibility principles, including independent data review, chromatogram and mass spectral review, ion ratio/confirmation criteria, audit trails for data changes
- Design and execute method validation studies in accordance with EPA standard methods (e.g., MDL’s, precision, accuracy, linearity, range, and robustness).
- Determine method detection limits (MDLs), reporting limits, and quality control acceptance criteria.
- Prepare and maintain comprehensive reports and support documentation for certification and audit purposes.
- Evaluate method performance and implement improvements to enhance sensitivity, accuracy, and efficiency.
- Provide training and technical support to routine laboratory staff on the validated methods .
- Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality documentation.
- Troubleshoot complex analytical and instrumentation issues across GC-MS and LC-MS-MS.
- Ensure all methods comply with EPA requirements for drinking water analysis.
- Support internal and external audits, including responses to findings and corrective actions.
- Collaborate with QA staff, project managers, and laboratory leadership on method implementation and compliance strategy.
- Communicate effectively with the team regarding method readiness, risks, timelines, and regulatory expectations.
- Organize samples for storage and retrieval in secured locations.
- Maintain a strong safety culture and comply with laboratory environmental health and safety requirements.
- Comply with RTI goals to maintain a high standard of professionalism and respect.
- Ability to multi-task and work with minimal supervision while collaborating cross‑functionally
- Excellent documentation skills
- Strong attention to detail and data integrity
- Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
Benefits
- competitive base salary
- generous paid time off policy
- merit based annual increases
- bonus opportunities
- robust recognition program
- competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability)
- access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan
- paid parental leave for all parents
- financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments
- financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities
- employee assistance program
- numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
